We now have available, both the Chalet and Highrise with specifically designed nests for the leafcutter bee. In addition, the Chalet and one of the Highrises, also has the cardboard wrap for the other small summer mason bees. With or without bees, this refuge and nesting site is a boon for increasing your summer pollinators. At this time leafcutter bees are availabe in Canada only.

Hello Margriet. This is my second year with a mason bee nest. When I cracked
open my corn plastic stack to clean my nest last year I was surprised to find two
of the tunnels occupied by spiders.
I had at least 25 cocoons hatch this spring. I went out o check on the house
on Tuesday and noticed webs around the house. On closer inspection, at least
three tunnels had fine webs over the openings.
I assume the spiders prey on the bees. Am I correct? And if so, how do I get
rid of them without disturbing the entire corn plastic bee stack? Thanks, Kevin KThe only way I know is to catch and remove them from the site. This would be quite difficult I think. I have seen a jumping spider catch a mason bee! So bees beware! Dr Margriet

Check out this link to a short video of a mason bee emerging from a cocoon. Thank you Kevin and Patty. The emerging process happens fast. Click on the link and go the the bottom of the page. http://beediverse.com/gallery/

I’m sending you to pics of this giant that was in our campsite in Terrace BC two years ago. You can see how big it is in comparison to the loonie. The other pic shows more detail.

Chester

I initially though it was a bald faced hornet, but searching through the Internet, the white markings are fewer on the abdominal segments than on this specimen. It could still be a hornet, but a different species than the bald faced hornet. Does anyone know what it is?

This blog includes: management tips on how to keep mason bees, stories and pictures from other mason bee keepers, trends in the industry, research news, interesting links, review of products, events and other interesting items.